Indian Rice

The following rice is so simple, but filled with such wonderful flavor. The peas add a touch of natural sweetness and a wonderful pop of color to the staple grain. Sometimes I find myself wanting to make this recipe even when I’m not eating Indian food alongside it. And why not, right? For an Indian feast though, rice is an absolute must.  It’s the perfect instrument to sop up all of the flavors in many of the traditional creamy, stew-like dishes so that they don’t escape to the bottom of your plate. While this recipe can certainly stand on its own, the flavors are subtle in comparison to all of those full-bodied curries and won’t seem overpowering when paired with other dishes.

Up the nutritional value by swapping the white basmati for whole grain basmati if available. To make the switch, all you’ll need to do is add a little more water and increase the cooking time.

Indian Rice

Serves 6

-2 Cups white basmati rice
-Green cardamon pods, cracked open to give 1 1/2 tsp. seeds
-1 tsp. whole cumin seed
-1 Tbsp olive oil
-3/4 tsp. salt
-1 3/4 C water
-3/4 tsp. turmeric
-1 Cup frozen or fresh peas
Heat the oil in medium sauce pan and add cardamon & cumin seeds. Saute until seeds begin to pop.  Then add the rice and stir and saute until rice is fragrant (a minute or so).  Add salt and stir. Add water, and cover pan with lid.  When rice comes to a boil, reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes.  Then add turmeric and stir rice a little with a fork. Add the peas, cover and continue cooking for another 5 minutes.  Turn off heat and let sit until ready to serve.  When ready to serve, stir peas into rice, place in serving bowl and enjoy.


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March 22, 2011 By
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8 Comments

  • Reply
    The Candid RD
    March 22, 2011 at 6:35 am

    I wonder if this would taste similar with brown basmati rice. I council a couple employees who consume an Indian diet. They both say it would be really difficult to switch to brown rice, but they eat SO MUCH white rice I think it’s imperative that they make the switch!
    I love all the different spices in this recipe (and all Indian food, really) especially the turmeric. I just love that flavor.

  • Reply
    Simply Life
    March 22, 2011 at 6:51 am

    I love this idea – what a great way to enjoy rice!

  • Reply
    Megan
    March 22, 2011 at 11:42 am

    yummm! that looks SO good! whenever i hear indian i think spicy (i have a freak mouth and a LOT of things are spicy to me) is there anything spicy in there? could i just lessen the spice? I never used to like peas but i LOVE them in pasta and rice dishes now!

    • Reply
      Grace Dickinson
      March 22, 2011 at 2:37 pm

      Nope. It’s spicy-free, making it a perfect compliment for spicy dishes that need to be toned down a bit.

  • Reply
    Anthony
    March 22, 2011 at 2:06 pm

    Fried rice? Sounds pretty cool! And the color of the rice looks really good!
    For more interesting recipes, check at:
    http://www.fourgreensteps.com/community/recipes
    Hope you find recipes that you like!

  • Reply
    Andrea@WellnessNotes
    March 22, 2011 at 4:42 pm

    I love Indian rice, and your dish looks and sounds wonderful! It’s going on my list!

  • Reply
    melindard
    March 22, 2011 at 5:11 pm

    I love this simple, classic dish. Plus, it looks pretty in your photo.

  • Reply
    A Vegetarian Indian Feast « Food-Fitness-FreshAir
    March 25, 2011 at 8:55 am

    […] Indian Basmati Rice […]

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